Leidarendi Lava Caves Tours

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With its tunnels of multi-hued lava tubes, dripping with stalactites and dotted with peculiar rock formations, the Leidarendi Lava Caves are a subterranean fantasyland. The Leidarendi caves take their name—which translates as “the end of the journey”—from the carcass of a dead sheep that is found at the end of a tunnel (you can still see the bones), but intrepid travelers needn’t worry as seasoned guides keep everyone safe.

The Basics

Exploring the Leidarendi Lava Caves is a popular adventure day trip from Reykjavik, with its rugged terrain requiring visitors to scramble, clamber, and crawl through the narrow passageways, using flashlights to light the way. The cave itself can only be accessed with a certified tour guide, and many full-day tours combine a lava caving adventure with activities such as snorkelling at the Silfra fissure, a swim in the Reykjadalur hot springs, or a Jeep or ATV tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Things to Know Before You Go

Cave tours include helmets, safety equipment, and full instruction, but bring warm clothes, hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water.Follow the rules and avoid touching or disturbing any of the cave’s natural structures in order to preserve the fragile rock formations.There is no cell phone coverage or WiFi at the Leidarendi Lava Caves.Due to the natural terrain, the Leidarendi lava tube is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 5.

How to Get There

The Leidarendi Lava Caves are located just southeast of Hafnarfjordur, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, and close to the Blue Mountains in southwest Iceland. There is no public transport to the caves, and most guided tours include round-trip transfers from Reykjavik.

When to Get There

The Leidarendi Lava Caves are open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is summer. Plan an early morning tour if you want to avoid the crowds and always book ahead to avoid disappointment. Visiting in winter means you will be at the mercy of the weather, although cancellations are rare.

Discovering the Land of Fire and Ice

The Leidarendi caves are one of the most accessible lava tubes in Iceland. The natural phenomenon was formed more than 2,000 years ago when hot magma flowed over already petrified lava. The network of caves run beneath the Stora-Holuhraun lava field for more than half a mile and are renowned for their spectacular lava formations, including solid lava streams, lava flakes, stalagmites, and stalactites, as well as natural ice sculptures, which form in winter.

Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a day of spelunking and snorkeling during this full-day, Eco-adventure from Reykjavik. Accompanied by your certified guide, visit the hidden underworld of a typical Icelandic lava tube for some caving exploration. You'll also see the impressive Silfra fissure, where you will get the chance to snorkel between the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia. Round-trip transportation from pick up points in the downtown Reykjavik area, and all necessary gear are included.

Wonder what’s hidden beneath Iceland’s lava landscapes? Take a caving trip under a lava field to a typical Icelandic lava tube cave on this 3 hour adventure tour available directly from Reykjavik. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to a lava plateau, put on caving gear, and explore an ancient lava ‘tube’ tunnel, with an expert guide. Absorb the age-old stillness as you explore, and view the fascinating lava formations, flakes and multicolored layers as you learn how they indicate different eruptions through the centuries. Great for adventure seekers and geology enthusiasts.

Explore a lava cave and Iceland’s Hengill and Reykjadalur geothermal areas on a day trip from Reykjavik. Head first to Leiðarendi lava cave in the Bláfjöll mountains and take a caving tour to see its multicolored lava formations. Then, hike through Hengill and Reykjadalur, known as ‘Steam Valley,’ for its steaming pools and vents, and enjoy an optional soak in a geothermal stream. Minivan transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, and caving gear included.

Combine two adrenaline-fuelled activities into one unforgettable adventure on this action-packed half-day tour from Reykjavik. Zip through the mountains on a 1-hour ATV quad bike tour and explore off-road as you climb the summit of Hafrafell Mountain. Then, strap on a head-torch and venture underground for a thrilling guided tour of the Leiðarendi lava cave.

Indulge your adventurous side on this adrenaline-fuelled full-day quad biking tour from Reykjavik! Embark on an epic ATV ride, taking in the views from Úlfarsfell Mountain, winding through the Blue Mountains and venturing off-road along the Reykjanes Peninsula. Jump off along the way to enjoy a guided tour of the Leiðarendi cave, marvel at the Krýsuvik Geothermal Area and zip around Lake Djúpavatn. This action-packed tour includes hotel pick-up, round-trip transfers and a traditional Icelandic lunch.

Visit Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on this 8-hour private tour from Reykjavik by super Jeep. You'll explore the volcanic landscapes of the island's southwest region and check out an underground network of lava caves — part of Iceland's seemingly endless natural wonders. Transport is by specially modified Jeep with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.